Sharjah24: The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah has announced the launch of The Sharjah Strandings Response Program to act as a monitoring, research, and wildlife rescue programme centred on the response to stranded marine animals. The announcement coincides with World Turtle Day, which falls on the 23rd May every year.

A marine life-saving and environmental awareness programme
Her Excellency Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, said: “The Authority is keen to implement its agenda and strategy that emanates from the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, which stresses the importance and necessity of continuing work to preserve and protect the biodiversity and sustainability of the environment.”

Her Excellency continued, "The Sharjah Strandings Response Program is an integral part of EPAA’s plans and agenda to achieve His Highness’ vision. Through the examination of stranded marine reptiles, mammals, and sea birds, the programme aims to expand our existing knowledge on the biodiversity, ecology, and threats of marine fauna. In addition to working as a research and marine life-saving programme, The Sharjah Strandings Response Program also acts as an environmental awareness and education campaign for the community.” 

Expanding knowledge on biodiversity
The Environment and Protected Areas Authority seeks to achieve several objectives through this programme, by investigating and responding to marine reptiles, marine mammals and marine birds in a way that contributes to expanding current knowledge on biological diversity, the environment and marine animal threats. This information will also support the development of environmental conservation measures and policies, in addition to educating the wider community on the importance of species conservation. 

The program logo was dominated and inspired by the color blue
Her Excellency spoke of the design of the program’s logo, adding that the color blue is an integral aspect of the design due to its indication of marine life. She pointed out that there will be an active presence of the programme on various platforms and social media channels run by the Authority, and continuous communication and interaction with the community will allow the public to learn about the program and its objectives. The programme will also be presented in other various activities run and implemented by EPAA.

The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah seeks to protect the environment and its natural reserves, wildlife and their biodiversity through scientific studies and research. The authority publishes educational awareness material, implements policies for environmental awareness and programmes, and launches specialised campaigns in the field of environmental awareness and education.